James Raymond Harr, 87, of North Vernon, passed away peacefully at Keepsake Village surrounded by family on Tuesday, August 6, 2024.

Born on August 11, 1936, in Evansville, James was the loving son of the late Percy and Margaret (Hosse) Harr. Devoted and loving husband, father, brother, and grandfather, he was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years Frances Harr (Smith). He later married and is survived by his wife of 8 years Jonetta Harr (Clayton); daughter, Leslie (Carl) Hildinger; son, Christopher (Angela) Harr; grandchildren, Summer Tukey, Max Tukey, and Alex Hildinger.

Jim was a 1961 graduate of Evansville College where he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree and lettered four years in football. He later went on and received a Master of Science Degree from Indiana University in 1967.

Prior to attending college, Jim served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1957 to 1959. After finishing college, Jim taught one year at Booneville High School, five years at North Vernon High School, and ended his career at Jennings County High School where he retired after 31 years. He was Teacher of the Year in 1987 and 1990. During his teaching career he was Head Football Coach and Head Wrestling Coach at JCHA for 20 years. During his coaching career he was Head Coach of the Indiana All-Star Wrestling team, Coach of the Year in the Hoosier Hills Conference five times, had one State Champ, nine Sectional Championships, and one Regional Championship. He was inducted into the Indiana Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame in 1988.

An active member of his community, Jim had been involved in the Lion's Club, the Optimist Club, March of Dimes, coached Little League Baseball, Kiwanis Football, and was the Director and Coach of the Jennings County Wrestling Club.

The family thanks Keepsake Village, Alternative Care Solutions, and Our Hospice for their compassionate care and support.

A funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 12, 2024, at Sawyer-Pickett Funeral and Cremation Service. Brother Ricky Persons will officiate. Burial will be at a later date in the Vernon Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 11, 2024, at the funeral home.

Memorials can be made through the funeral home to either the Lion's Club or Bethel Baptist Church.